Neck pain, back pain and what to do?

I am having to roll out of bed at the moment too due to back pain. However in my case I think its a problem with the muscles themselves. Do not forget that in addition to neurological damage we often have muscle problems. A lot of docs might well overlook this, especially since we do not yet understand muscle issues in FM or ME.

Hi spitfire
I feel for you and I identify - I have just had a very painful time with facial pain/adhesive capsulitis/impingement/TMJ misalignemnt/damaged neck vertebrae.
In acute phases, I have found a combination of zyflamend by new chapter, pyconogenol, rosehip seed extract helpful at reducing inflamation - along with serrapetase to nibble away at it. I also revert to an alkalising diet including no nightshade plants in an acute phase. Along with the over counter pain stuff and codiene when necessary I also use valerian as a muscle relaxant. I think nervous system over arousal is a problem for me with long term pain, esp the nerve stuff - it stops me being able to relax, sleep, and brain always thinks its walking down a dark alley. So anything I do that reduces immobility and conveys normality - gentle stretches, flexing the area if poss, rubbing it if bearable, helps. I also found Teitelbuam's little book Pain Free 123 surprisingly useful on pain meds. One of the possibilities I am now considering is whether my borderline hypethyroid has hampered my abilty to heal, and also magnified my perception of pain.
Pain always tells you you are helpless, and its here to stay - that's the nature of chronic pain - like Pandora, I am trying to keep alive the hope of a pain free day. Distraction and relaxation and meditation have also stopped me from going completely bonkers. I think....
Good luck xxxx

Googsta...THANK YOU. that is awesome info. I have so many docs to go to this week. I am actually going to a chiro who does not adjust you but uses lasers to help. I will see her tomorrow. I go to my doc who is an osteo, but don't get excited. He never knows anything. He deals with CFS and dismisses everything thinking it's CFS. Anyway I also see the orthopedic doc. I want to try supplements. I am on magnesium and I don't think that does much.

I tend to overdo it when I stretch. Yesterday I went to the pool and swam and stretched. Last night I went for an intense long walk and then worked my hamstrings too much. Today I am in a lot of pain.

I have mentioned this before but for me, everything went downhill when I went into perimenopause. Pain flared, my adrenals crashed, etc. I have had chronic pain since my hormones went nuts and this year I have gotten my period every 2 weeks, but now it's regular again but not really. I got my period 2 days ago but you would never know it; no flow. CRAZY.

I have never been to a pain specialist. If they say don't take pain meds, I would disagree completely. I don't take them all the time but when I am in a bad flair, meds are the answer to end the cycle for me, or bring it down.

Thank you for all of the info and insight. So grateful. I wouldnt' know any of this stuff without you all. I so appreciate it.

BTW, I get so tired or resting. I hate it, but have to do it, plus I am exhausted from lack of sleep. I always take a nap around 5 or 6 pm. My adrenals seem to burn out then.

sianrecovery-I think the thyroid can really cause pain. My hormones, as I mentioned have brought on this crazy flare, I am sure of it.

I haven't read all the posts on this thread but I wanted to throw my support in the mix. Dealing with back/neck pain is difficult to tolerate. I've been doing everything I can to avoid a lumbar fusion.

My sister had similar symptoms that you describe. She had 3 vertebrae fused in her neck. She recovered in 6 weeks and says she wished she would have had the surgery years ago. Apparently getting an epidural injection in the neck wasn't an option as it is for the lower back.

She doesn't have ME. Like you said surgery is always a gamble with our disease but being in the amount of pain that you describe is awful. It affects everything.

perimenopause and menopause are strongely linked anecodatally to increased pain - and the mechanisms for that could be so various - still, it might be worth looking at the hormone thing. I also found a book by a mate of Teitelbuam's Neil Nathan (dont quote me - from a compromised memory) called On Hope and Healing good on endocrine interventions, sex hormones and also pain. Its a handy book, with ME friendly sized chapters. The title is definitely right, even if the author might not be